Garment Protection Device and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

A garment protection device for infant care used in locations with limited infant care facilities. The device having a first and second portion. Either portions having a top, bottom and side edges. The portions connected together at one or more edges at two or more connection points; the bottom edge and one or more side edges having no connections or obstructions. The length of the device is at a minimum the length of an average adult user&#39;s body from shoulder down to the waist line. The width approximately an average adult user&#39;s shoulder width. Both portions having an external absorbent side and water resistant internal side. It may be donned or removed in one movement with one hand, with minimum movement, and accommodates both left and right handed individuals. It shields the user&#39;s front and back sides, provides private coverage for nursing mothers and may be disposable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark office,patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This non-provisional utility patent application incorporates byreference the earlier filed provisional patent application, ApplicationNo. 61/631,572, in its entirety. This non-provisional application claimsbenefit of said provisional application, effectively filed on Jan. 7,2012, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and 37 C.F.R. 1.78 (a)(4)-(a)(6) andall other relevant sections of the law not referred to herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a garment protection device,particularly for infant care or small animal care.

BACKGROUND

Current garment protection devices tend to require a lot of handling andare fairly generic in shape and scope of protection. Alternativedevices, particularly the disposable types, that are specific toparticular needs are both awkward looking and awkward to handle. Theytypically comprise a whole body suit or a shapeless cover, usedprimarily in the medical or sanitation related industry. None of theexisting devices are designed for the specific needs and uses of atraveling parent of an infant child.

Parenting in the modern era, particularly within the last fifty yearsdefining those within Generation X, Y and the new Millenials, has itsown unique social-cultural demands. These demands arise fromenvironmental and technological changes that define the social era.Today's parenting styles are affected by the results of changed women'sroles in the work place beginning in the late 1960's and early 1970's.Mothers of that generation who hewed the professional work-life balancewere in a way, the experimental generation since they were the first.Their children, now parents themselves, are expected to fulfill theworld that has been created for them while meeting their own needs. Assuch, the modern social norm seeks to achieve an ideal professional lifewhile finding a balanced traditional family home life.

While women in the 60's and 70's celebrated the independence offeredthrough bottled infant formula, the modern mother attempts to reconnectthrough nursing. As modern mothers continue to find their place asworking professionals, many fathers have taken on the care giver role.While parents in the 60's and 70's encouraged independence and exposurefor their children by not over sheltering, the modern parent spends agreat deal of energy over issues such as sanitation and publicperception. New technology allows for faster and further travel, oftenwith baby in tow. New technology has also changed the way infant care ismanaged. Long gone are the days of a clean toilet seat, non-automaticflush toilet bowls, wide sink table tops, or social acceptance of a babybeing changed in public view.

The challenges of infant care for modern parents on the go aremultifaceted. There is a need for a method or device that enables aparent to care for a young infant in a public area but with some senseof privacy. The need for privacy is key for young nursing mothers. Thereis also a need for a method or device that enables a parent to care fora young infant in a cleanly and sanitary manner. Many public restroomslack sink counter space and at best, may have only one changing stationmore often in the ladies' restroom facility. This puts fathers at adisadvantage, parents traveling with children at dense public locationat a disadvantage, parents traveling in urban locations where their carsare parked at a distance at a disadvantage. Further, given thattraditional toilets have been replaced with lidless automatic-flushtoilets, it becomes incredibly difficult to manage infant care even inthe privacy of a closed restroom stall since a person's every movementwould trigger the splashing effect of the automatic flush.

There is additionally a need for speed of infant care, particularly forparents who are in the midst of travel with their infant. The device ormethod must enable a parent to care for an infant as ergonomically quickand easily as if the parent were doing it in their own home with noassisting device. Further, the device must be such that a parent couldeasily set up or collapse with one arm while the other hand or arm isdedicated to holding the infant. Lastly, the device must be sized tofunction but would be aesthetically pleasing for the modern parent touse in a public location. Many parents who are sensitive to publicscrutiny shy away from venturing out in fear of public perception oftheir changed persona. As a result, many new mothers and fathers becomeintroverted, feeling lack of empowerment to overcome social aspects oftraveling with an infant. Given the many things that already have to beconsidered when traveling with an infant, the thought of one additionalitem to add to a large travel kit becomes immobilizing. The ideal deviceor method would help psychologically empower a parent to traverse withtheir infant by making them feel more comfortable and fashionable, byassisting in speedy infant care anyplace and anytime, and by being easyto carry and use with minimal requirement of space or a second thought.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,552 provides a disposable apron manufactured forgeneral purpose use. The design of the apron provides two waist tiesthat would be tied behind the user's back. It is intended for use in aknown environment where the user would require protection primarily overthe front portion of the body and would have access to both hands whenunwrapping, donning and tying the apron.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,897 provides for a reusable multipurpose protectiveshield that is also aimed for use in a general public environment,particularly seated in transit while commuting. The design is generallyaimed to prevent transfer of food or drink articles onto the user whileseated in a moving vehicle. It is designed to be portable but is spaceconsuming.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,469 relates to a spill protection device for driversand passengers in vehicles. The design is specifically tailored to thestandard space within a standard car, covering the user and extending asfar as the central cup-holding console. This design makes generalpresumptions about the environment of the user in this narrowcircumstance which includes the user's ability to use both hands toattach the device onto the body and that issues of cleanliness relatesonly to the user's upper body and the cup-holding center console.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,471 relates to a garment protection device forinfant caregivers. The device narrowly addresses certain needs of infantcare giving but presumes use of the device within a typical seatingenvironment and in circumstances with little time constraints. Theattachments contained in the upper portion of the device can beinterfering in the changing process, particularly for caregivers who arein transit and under a tight time constraint. The attachments containedthereon may cause secondary problems of sanitation if they becomecontaminated with bodily excretions from the infant. In this likelyscenario, there is also an increased risk of transfer of unwanted matterbetween dirtied dangling items to the caregiver and child.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,424 relates to a protective bib. This device coversboth upper and lower portions of the user's body, including the backportions of the body. However, the claimed construction of this patentis not ergonomically adaptable to a caregiver who has an infant in herarms and who is in mid-transit with time constraints. Further, thedevice is comprised solely of water resistant material.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,686 provides a protective bib in the form of ajacket. This design fails to anticipate coverage of the user's lowerfront and back leg area against contamination from a dirty toilet seator other dirty seating facility and fails to suggest a proper length toaccommodate such need. Further, the jacket embodiment is notergonomically adaptable to a caregiver who has an infant in her arms andwho is in the mid-transit with time constraints.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,392 provides a protective bib intended as adisposable drool pad for an infant caregiver. The device is composed ofa simple sheet of protective material with a center hole cut through theupper quadrant creating an opening where the user's head is inserted.The bib would be worn over the user's neck and shoulder.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention claimed herein is drawn to a garment protection device forcaregivers of infant children, specifically for caregivers of infants 12months and under. The device is comprised of a garment cover, said coverhaving at least a first portion and alternatively a second portion,either portions of said device having at least a top and bottom edge,the preferred embodiment having a top and bottom and two side edges,said first and second portion may or may not be identical in shape, saidfirst portion and second portion being connected at one or more sides,said first and second portions having two or more connection points, atleast one connection point is located on the top side of the device, thetop side where the two portions of the device meets having an openinglarge enough to slide a person's head and upper portion of their bodythrough, the two portions of the device not connected on the bottom, thetwo portions of the device not connected at one or more side edges, eachportion of said device having a length that is at least 22 inches longapproximately the length of an average adult user upper body from theshoulder to approximately their waist line. The width of the device isapproximately between 22 inches to 36 inches wide, similar to theshoulder width of an average user. The parameters of the average usermay comprise dimensions reflecting solely male or female genders or maycomprise the combination of both genders. The two portions of thedevice, each portion having an interior side in contact with the user'sclothing and an external side facing the external environment away fromthe user's body. The interior side of the device is comprised of anyflexible water resistant material such as but not limited topolypropylene, latex, wax or rubber. The external side is comprised ofany water absorbent material such as but not limited to organic basedpulp or fiber, cotton, absorbent fabrics, absorbent plastic resins, orany combination of such materials. The device may comprise of disposableor reusable material.

One preferred embodiment having the following improved features: adevice having a first and second portion, said front and back portionbeing substantially mirror silhouettes of each other, said first andsecond portions connecting at one point on the top edge and a secondpoint on a side edge, the first connection on the top edge is at thecorner furthest away from the side edge where the second connection islocated, the second connection point located slightly above the centerof the side edge, the two connection points between the top edge and theside edge creating an angled opening such that a person's head and oneshoulder may fit through while being held onto the user's body by thetension between the first and second connection points, the bottom edgeand the side edge respectively adjacent and opposite of the edge wherethe second connection point is located being unconnected to any otherportion of the device such that an opening is created for a person tomove unobstructed between the first and second portions on these twosides of the device. The connected sides of the device creates anobstruction which prevents the user from entering (moving into andbetween the two portions) but does the job of holding the device inplace on the user's body. Further, the connection point on the side edgekeeps the first portion continuously attached to the second portionduring use, maintaining constant cover for a nursing mother in case theinfant attempted to push the front portion away from the user's bodyotherwise exposing the user's naked body. Alternatively, continuousattachment of the front and side portions by way of the side edgeconnection point also keeps the front portion in place during use shouldthe child be laid over the user's lap and is particularly active. Theunconnected sides allow the user to slip or step into the device.

In the preferred embodiment, the second connection on the side edgewould be approximately six inches long or less, beginning approximatelymidway below the horizontal plane of the top edge and endingapproximately near the user's waist line. The second connection beginsand ends within the top half region of the device. This leaves open aslit along the lower part of the side edge where the second connectionis located. The slit allows the user to manipulate the first and secondportions in accordance to their respective body shape or environmentalneeds. The adjustability provided by the slit further allows the deviceto be slid away from the user's body and down around the user'swaistline, converting the use of the device from an upper body cover toa lower body cover protecting the user's lap and back torso area.Lastly, the preferred embodiment of this device may have one or morepockets connected to the external side of the first portion such thatdiapers and other necessary items are kept in place without need ofbeing hand held during care of an infant.

This invention improves on current devices and addresses the specificneeds provided above in ways not before considered. Typical garmentprotection devices are either completely absorbent all the way throughor else are water resistant on its external surface. This device iswater absorbent on its external surface for both first and secondportions such that when in use, urine or other types of bodily excrementemanating from an infant over the user's lap and on top of the devicewould be immediately absorbed. The absorbency of the external surfacecaptures liquid waste and prevents the waste from rolling off and ontothe user's clean clothes. The device covers a substantial portion of theuser's chest and shoulder area as well as a substantial portion of theuser's lap area. A greater portion of the user's front body surface isprotected from projectile type excrement or loose excrement by the widecoverage of this device. This comes in very handy for parents of littleboys whose urine tends to flow vertically upward and parents of littlegirls whose urine tends to flow horizontally outward. This also comes inhandy for parents whose infants are sick and vomit in large poolingamounts. The second portion being a substantial mirror silhouette of thefirst portion provides near equal amount of coverage for the user's backside. This is particularly important when the user is changing an infantwhile seated on a wet or dirty surface or if the user is changing aninfant while seated on an automatic flush toilet. The spray from anautomatic flush toilet that would otherwise contact the user's back sidewould be shielded by this device.

An alternate embodiment of the device would have a shorter secondportion covering the user's shoulder and part of the user's upper backarea. Two connection points are located on the top edge of the twoportions, on either sides of the user's shoulder and the user's head.The opening between the first and second portion is located between thetwo connection points on the top edge creating a neckline. A small slitmay extend from the neck line to allow the device to be both adjustableand snug fitting. The second portion need not extend coverage to theuser's lower back, seating and back leg area. The purpose of this devicewould be to provide protective coverage of the user's lap area shouldthe user choose to quickly change a dirty infant over his or lap. It isalso intended to provide protective coverage for the upper body andshoulder portions of a user's garment should the user choose to feed orburp the infant in the upright coddling position. A further alternateembodiment of this device would have the second portion extend past theuser's shoulder, back, seating and back leg area at a substantiallysimilar length as the first portion. This alternative embodiment wouldoffer the user sufficient protective coverage over the user's lap forchanging the baby, over the user's chest and shoulder for burping andfeeding the baby, over the user's back—seating—back leg area for infantcare while seated on a dirty location.

The combination of an absorbent external side and a water resistantinterior side proves ideal in preventing roll-off of unwanted excrementand preventing unwanted stain from leakage. It is an important featurethat at least in regards to the first portion of this device, theexternal surface is comprised of absorbent material while the interiorside is comprised of a water resistant material. To the same extent, thesecond portion must at least be water resistant and preferably absorbenton the external side to prevent roll-off of toilet water spray.

Another inventive feature of this device is its ergonomic design. Thebottom and at least one side not being connected and the two pointconnection creating a top opening for the user's head (or alternativelyhead and shoulder) allows the user to don the device from one or moreunobstructed sides with simply one movement, with one hand and withoutfurther handling or assembly. Unlike existing devices such as aprons,bibs or body suits where both hands and more than one movement arerequired for assembly, this device is designed specifically for quickagile movement by a user who has only one hand available while standingwith a baby in a narrow fast paced environment. This device may beremoved similarly with one hand and in one movement. Further, the mirrorimage silhouette allows the same device to be used interchangeably byeither a right handed or left handed person. For optimum application ofthis feature, both first and second portions should be substantialmirror images of each other in shape and composition.

The slit on the bottom half of the second connected side of thepreferred embodiment allows the user to maneuver and adjust the bottomhalf of the device over his or her lap and the back of his or her legsaccordingly. This is important since each user will have a differentshaped body and the local environment may have different requirements.For this same preferred embodiment, a second smaller slit may be addedto the top of the second connection point (along the user's bust line)such that the device may be more adjustable and fitting to a wider rangeof body sizes. This is particularly important for nursing mothers whosebust lines will vary. The unobstructed side of the device together witha second connection on the opposing side edge and the slit featuresserves a special purpose of allowing an infant to step into the devicewhile providing stable protective coverage for a nursing mother andfurther allow the device to be adjustable to personal preference. Again,the device having two substantial mirror image portions may be usedinterchangeably for those preferring to nurse on the right side or theleft side.

Another important inventive feature of this device is the side edgeconnection, which helps hold the device in place during use. The firstportion and second portion are continuously held together whether theinfant is nursing beneath the first portion or being changed on top ofthe first portion. The continuous connection between the two portionscreates a sense of security, peace of mind and stability between theuser, the infant and the device such that the position of the deviceshould hold up against the movement of the infant as it is being caredfor.

The device comprised of light weight flexible material can be folded,compressed and stored in a space saving manner. This means the user mayquickly condense the device in one hand and store it within his or hergarment pockets or in a small compartment of a purse. The garment-likequality of this device opens up the opportunity to create fashionablesilhouettes and add aesthetic prints to complement the user's fashionobjectives. This is important from a commercial stand point since thecomposition and design of current devices either lack shape entirely orare reminiscent of industrial medical tools. The industrial quality ofcurrent devices creates a psychological barrier for parents who seek outtools that help them nurture and foster a sense of joy when interactingwith their infant children. The lack of shape of current devices furtherdetracts from the user's sense of self worth and individuality, whichfashion helps provide.

In real world application, an adult user traveling with a young infant,ages 12 months or younger, will occasionally encounter a situationrequiring immediate attention such as a dirty diaper or a desire to benursed. In such circumstance, the user may be dining at a restaurant,seated on a bench at a sports event, traveling on foot in an open publiclocation, or in between travel at a train station or airport. In anycase, restroom facilities may not be close by or else may not beequipped to manage infant care. In the past and currently, parents areoften left with the options of changing the infant on a dirty floor,balancing an infant on a small counter surface, taking the child out tothe car to be cared for, cutting short an excursion to take the childhome, or simply pressing on with travel while the baby continues to cryfor help. With this invention, the parent would first stop and identifya location where the child can be comfortably and cleanly cared for. Ifno facility with a working or available changing station exists or nofacility where privacy can be attained for nursing purposes (which maybe time consuming and require a location with less traffic or occupancyturn over) the parent must identify the next best facility to care forthe child with the aid of this device. Such facility may include but isnot limited to an available bathroom stall where the user may safelyseat herself over a toilet while wearing this device, a grassy area, acorner bench area at an airport, while seated inside a train, on a quietcurb of a parking lot, on a wheel chair for those parents sufferingdisabilities, or on a comfortable couch for grandparents who may be lessmobile. Once the location is identified, the user carries the infant tothat destination together with the care kit. The parent or user thenpulls out the device with the available hand, spreads the device intoposition with the flick of the arm, don the device over his or her head,sits down at the identified spot, adjust the device to maximize coveragewhile placing the infant over the user's lap, remove a portion of thechild's clothing over the user's lap, pull out a diaper and place in thepocket, remove the dirty diaper and switch it with the clean diaper inthe pocket of the device, replace the child's diaper and clothing, pickup the child and position her underneath the first portion of the deviceto be nursed (if in a public location), once the child is nursed she maybe positioned over the user's shoulder to be burped, the baby spit upmay be caught and absorbed by the upper portion of the device, once thecaring is completed, the user will hold onto the child with one arm,pull the device up and over his or her head to remove, compress thedevice with one hand into a pocket or throw the device away in a trashcan, and leave with the baby and the care kit in tow. The entire processmay be completed in less than five minutes if the baby is not nursed.

The device is multifunctional and may be spread over any surface fortable top diaper changes. The device has application in other areas suchas the pet care industry or any situation where a user requires garmentprotection on both first and second sides of their body while in aseated position and conducting business which risk splashing unwantedmatter onto the user's clothing. Other areas may include the medicallyrelated consumer industry where diabetic users or those suffering fromillness who self administer blood tests in public locations may findthis device of great use. Other features, advantages, and object of thepresent invention will become more apparent and be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description, which should be readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front perspective of the device according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 1B is a left side perspective of the device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a right side perspective of the device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a left side perspective of the device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a right side perspective of the device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an expanded cross sectional view of the device according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference toembodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure, or manner.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions orparticular construction materials indicated herein are solely providedas examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to belimiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particularapplication, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in lightof the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternativeimplementation details. The preferred embodiment of this invention isprovided in a horizontal configuration.

FIG. 1A is a three dimensional front side view of one preferredembodiment of the device 100. Said embodiment 100 of the device having afirst portion 101 and a second portion 102. Said embodiment 100 of thedevice having a first connection point 103, a second connection point104 and a third connection point 111. The embodiment 100 having a bottomedge 106 and two or more side edges 105 a,b. The embodiment of thedevice according to FIG. 1A is open on the bottom edge 106 and one ormore sides 105 b, otherwise not connected to another portion and theopening gap being unobstructed. A pocket 107 may be attached to thefirst or second portion or both portions.

FIG. 1B illustrates a three dimensional back side view of the preferredembodiment of FIG. 1A 100, showing a second unobstructed opening 110 onthe side edge of 105 b and is connected 111 at the opposite side edge105 a near the user's waist line. This preferred embodiment 100 iscompletely open on the bottom 106 and at least one edge 105 b. It isconnected at two connection points 103, 104 on the top edge 108, a thirdconnection 111 on one side edge 105 a with two side openings 110, 106 tobe entered into by the user and a center curved opening 109 to be donnedover a person's head.

FIG. 2A is a front right side view of a second preferred embodiment 200of the device. The second preferred embodiment 200 having also a firstportion 201 and second portion 202. The second embodiment 200 having afirst connection point 203 and a second connection point 204. The secondembodiment 200 having a bottom edge 205, a top edge 206, and two or moreside edges 207 a,b. The device being open and unobstructed on the bottomedge 205 and one or more side edges 207 a,b. In particular with thispreferred embodiment 200, the first connection 203 is located on onecorner of the top edge 206 and a second connection 204 on a side edgefurthest opposite 207 b from the first connection. The opening betweenthe first connection 203 and the second connection 204 is large enoughto allow a user to slip the device 200 over the user's head, arm andshoulder. The two connections 203, 204 located on opposite sides of theuser's body allows the device to hang from one shoulder while maintain asecure stable position on the user's body. This particular embodiment200 is preferable for purposes of providing a secure cover over themother's exposed body during nursing. The fact that the two portions areconnected on the side of the user's body where the infant is beingnursed avoids the first portion of the device from being flipped open bya potentially fussy infant, otherwise exposing the mother's breast. Thesecond embodiment 200 further contains a slit 208 below the secondconnection 204 beginning from the bottom edge 205 and ending near theuser's waist line. This allows the bottom half of the device to beadjusted to personal preference and further allows the nursing mother tomaximize coverage of her body during nursing. FIG. 2B is a front leftside view of a second preferred embodiment 200 of the device. This imageillustrates an unobstructed opening 209 on the opposite side edge 207 afrom the side with the second connection 204, 207 b.

FIG. 3 is a front right side view of a third preferred embodiment 300 ofthe device. This embodiment 300 is nearly identical in shape andconstruction to the second preferred embodiment 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2Bexcept that this embodiment further contains a small second slit 301above the second connection point 302 along the side edge 303. Thepurpose of this slit is to enable this specific embodied device to matcha wider range of bust width among nursing mothers without compromisingthe shape and dimension of the manufactured device.

FIG. 4 is an expanded cross sectional illustration of a preferredcomposition 400 of the device, having an exterior absorbent layer 401facing the external environment and an interior water resistant layer402 facing the user's body and clothing. The two layers 401, 402 may beattached adhesively, statically, sewn, heat pressed or connectedconsistently throughout by any other known method. The entirecomposition of the preferred embodiments will comprise an exteriorabsorbent layer 401 and an interior absorbent layer 402 for both firstand second portions. Alternative embodiments may have less absorbentmaterial attached to a water resistant layer, particularly on the firstportion covering the front side of the user's body. However, for thedevice to function properly, a substantial area of at least one of thetwo portions must be covered with absorbent material such that thedevice will shield the user's front body (upper and lower) area bylocking up liquid or semi-liquid material, preventing roll-off.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a system forgarment protection and infant care while seated on a dirty seatingenvironment according to the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. The invention has been described by way of summary,detailed description and illustration. The specific embodimentsdisclosed in the above drawings are not intended to be limiting.Implementations of the present invention with various differentconfigurations are contemplated as within the scope of the presentinvention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of thefollowing claims.

We claim:
 1. A garment protection device for infant care having a first and second portion; each portion having a top edge, bottom edge and two or more side edges; the two portions being connected together on one or more edges; the two portions being connected at two or more connection points; the bottom edge of the two portions not being connected or attached to provide an unobstructed opening; one or more side edges not being connected or attached to provide other unobstructed openings; each portion of the device having a length that is at least as long as an average adult user's upper body length from shoulder to waist line; the device having a width substantially similar to the width of an average user's widest body cross section; both portions of the device having an external absorbent side facing outward; both portions of the device having a water resistant internal side facing the user's body; the silhouettes of the first and second portion being substantially similar such that the device may be donned with the left hand or the right hand without compromising the device's intended effect and purpose;
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions are substantial minor silhouettes of each other, said first and second portions connecting at one point on the top edge and a second point on a side edge; the second connection located on the side edge furthest away or opposite of the side edge closest to the corner of the first connection; the two connection points between the top edge and the side edge creating an opening between the first and second connection points;
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the second connection on the side edge is located within the top half of the device approximately above the average user's waist line.
 4. The device of claim 2 in which the two portions are not connected along the side edges from approximately the user's waist line down to the bottom edge of the device creating a slit down the lower half of the side edge of the second connection is located;
 5. A device of claim 1 wherein the first and second portions having a first and second connection located on the left and right corners along the top edge, the second portion is shorter than the first portion, the second portion extending beyond the user's shoulder and further into the top half of the user's back area, the second portion extending no further than the top half of the user's back area.
 6. A method of use in which a user first identifies a need for garment protection, second identifying a location for managing care-giving, third moving towards the identified location, fourth proceeding to pull out the device of claim 1 and opening said device with one hand or arm movement with either left or right hand, fifth by donning said device by stepping into the device and positioning the user's head through the top opening of the device with one hand or arm movement user either right or left hand, sixth alternatively further moving the device down below the user's waist line to cover the user's lower torso area, seventh sitting down while wearing the device, eighth initiating and completing care-giving while in the seated position, ninth returning to the standing position while wearing the device, tenth removing the device by pulling it up and over the user's head in one hand or arm movement using either right or left hand, eleventh collapsing the device for storage or disposal with one hand or arm movement using either right or left hand, twelfth returning to the user's original destination. 